Historical Events tagged with "colonialism"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Völkner Incident during East Cape War

February 3rd, 1865 160 years ago

The Völkner Incident involved the capture and killing of missionary Carl Völkner by Māori forces in New Zealand during the East Cape War. This occurred after tensions escalated between the British colonists and Māori tribes who resisted colonization efforts. Völkner, who had been working in the region, was perceived as a symbol of colonization. His death fueled further conflict in an already volatile environment.

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Military & Warfare

British Invasion of Waikato Led by Cameron

October 31st, 1863 161 years ago

British forces under General Duncan Cameron began their invasion of the Waikato region, marking a significant escalation in the New Zealand Wars. This military campaign aimed to suppress Māori resistance in response to ongoing conflicts over land and sovereignty. The operation was part of a broader strategy to assert British control in New Zealand and involved large troop deployments into the heart of Māori territory.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Abolition of Slavery in Surinam

July 1st, 1863 161 years ago

Ketikoti, now celebrated in Suriname, marks the day slavery was abolished in the Dutch colony of Surinam. On July 1, 1863, the legal status of enslaved people changed after years of Dutch colonial rule. This pivotal moment began the transition towards freedom for approximately 34,000 individuals enslaved in the colony, allowing them to live as free citizens and gave rise to the cultural observance of Ketikoti, which means 'the chains are broken' in Sranan Tongo, reflecting a crucial turning point in the region's history.

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Military & Warfare

Trương Định Resists French Colonial Rule

June 5th, 1862 162 years ago

Following the signing of the Treaty of Saigon, which ceded southern Vietnam to France, the guerrilla leader Trương Định chose to resist the colonial powers instead of submitting to the decrees of Emperor Tự Đức. Despite the emperor's position, Trương Định rallied his forces to continue the fight for independence, embodying nationalist sentiments against foreign control. His determination set the stage for further resistance within the region, igniting a spirit of rebellion among the Vietnamese people.

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Politics & Government

Britain's Lagos Treaty to Combat Slavery

August 6th, 1861 163 years ago

The Lagos Treaty of Cession was signed in 1861, enabling Britain to establish a protectorate in Lagos, Nigeria. This treaty was part of Britain's broader campaign against the transatlantic slave trade. The British sought to suppress slavery in the region by exerting control over the local leaders, thereby facilitating trade and governance aligned with their anti-slavery objectives. The treaty not only signaled British imperial interests but also marked a significant shift in the local political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Qing China Cedes Kowloon to Britain

October 24th, 1860 164 years ago

The Convention of Peking marked the conclusion of the Second Opium War, with Qing China formally ceding Kowloon to the British Empire. Negotiated at the end of the war, the agreement served to solidify British control in the region. The treaty allowed for increased trade and opened more areas for foreign influence in China. This event defined the future of Hong Kong and its surrounding territories under British colonial rule.

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Military & Warfare

The Battle of Waireka Erupts in Taranaki

March 28th, 1860 164 years ago

The Battle of Waireka marked a pivotal clash between British forces and Māori warriors during the First Taranaki War. Taking place in New Plymouth, the battle began as a response to tensions over land rights and growing conflicts between the two groups. The British sought to assert authority in the region, while local Māori, led by Te Teira and his allies, aimed to defend their land. This confrontation showcased the complexities of colonial rule and indigenous resistance, highlighting the deep-seated issues that defined the era.

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Military & Warfare

Spain Initiates Conflict with Morocco

October 22nd, 1859 165 years ago

Spain declared war on Morocco due to tensions over territorial claims and the treatment of Spanish subjects in Moroccan territory. The conflict began as Spanish forces mobilized to assert control over areas like the northern Moroccan city of Ceuta and influence over the Rif region. This declaration was a response to provocations and an effort to expand Spanish influence in North Africa, igniting a military campaign that would lead to a series of confrontations between the two nations.

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Military & Warfare

French Navy Captures Citadel of Saigon

February 17th, 1859 166 years ago

The French Navy successfully captured the Citadel of Saigon, a strategic fortress manned by approximately 1,000 soldiers of the Nguyễn dynasty. This event marked a critical point in the French conquest of southern Vietnam, demonstrating their increasing military power in the region. The fall of the citadel was significant in paving the way for further French advances into the heart of Vietnam.

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